Proctor could still play vital role at Fleetwood

Fleetwood boss Steven Pressley is hoping Jamie Proctor can kick-start his season at Bradford City and return to make is mark at Highbury.

Proctor is excluded from this afternoon’s meeting of the two clubs at Valley Parade, the terms of his one-month loan not allowing the striker to play against his parent club.

The Preston-born striker isn’t the only man in that deal set to miss out.

Devante Cole, who moved in the opposite direction on a permanent deal, is expected to be absent with a hamstring injury.

Proctor has already made an impact for the Bantams with a debut goal in last weekend’s draw at Port Vale.

And Fleetwood boss Steven Pressley is delighted to see his man building confidence, insisting he may yet have a part to play in Town’s survival fight.

Pressley said: “I’m pleased for him, I really am. I watched him on Tuesday night (in the defeat at Barnsley) and thought he gave another good performance without scoring.

“He’s a really good boy and he seemed keen on the move. They are a big club and it was a big opportunity for him.

“But it’s only for the month and it’s important we don’t lose sight of that. He may still have a very big role to play here before the end of the season.”

Proctor is at a vital point in his career. The 23-year-old is out of contract with Fleetwood in the summer and, with new boss Steven Pressley putting the emphasis on pace over power, he may have to look elsewhere for first-team football.

Not that the Fleetwood manager is writing him off yet. Pressley is keen for the striker to get game-time and goals, and sees Bradford as a perfect opportunity.

“He’s aware his contract expires at the end of the season,” said Pressley. “It’s important in his situation that a player is playing and making people aware of that.

“I couldn’t guarantee him enough football in the next month and that’s why he was keen to go out, but he may have a prominent role to play when he returns.”

The arrival of Cole, along with on-loan Chelsea forward Alex Kiwomya before last weekend’s draw with Doncaster signalled a step up in Fleetwood’s January transfer business. And Pressley revealed he’s not done yet.

The Fleetwood boss has made no secret of his desire to bring in reinforcements at the back and he’s not ruling out some deadline-day drama on Monday.

“The old yellow tie comes out on Monday and we’ll be desperately trying to find the right player,” joked the Fleetwood boss.

“Hopefully Sky will appear at our training base at some point.

“But we’re going to work hard over the period to get the right player in. Hopefully he’ll fit the group.

“We don’t want to leave it until Monday but in football everything goes to the last minute.

“It’s not to say that if we don’t conclude business on Monday there might not be something beyond that. There are still free players and there’s still the loan system.”

n David Ball will play no part in this afternoon’s game at Bradford City.

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